Long Island Boating Laws

Boating is a popular pastime, but it comes with responsibilities that not all boaters are aware of or take heed of. Long Island boating laws apply to vessels large and small. While you are on the water, you must follow the local boating laws, or there may be consequences.

If someone broke a boating law and caused an accident that left you injured, you can turn to the talented boat accident attorneys at Goldstein & Bashner. We have experience with maritime law, and we could help support a personal injury claim that holds someone responsible for damages and injuries.

Boating Laws and Regulations

Take a closer look at some of the Long Island boating rules and regulations that could affect your personal injury claim:

Operator Restrictions

A boat operator must be at least 10 years old, and they must meet the requirement to have a Boating Safety Certificate. The certificate must be on board the boat.

A person operating a personal watercraft (PWC) must be at least 14 years old, must have passed a boating safety course, and must carry the Boating Safety Certificate with them on the PWC.

Brianna’s Law

Brianna’s Law went into effect on January 1, 2025, in the state of New York. This is a law that requires all operators of a motorized vessel to have a Boating Safety Certificate.

There are some exceptions to Brianna’s boating Law—visitors to Long Island do not need a certificate.

Boating Under the Influence (BUI)

It is against the law in Long Island to operate a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There are classifications under this type of infraction:

• A person who goes boating while impaired by alcohol to any extent could get an alcohol-BWAI
• A person who goes boating while impaired by drugs to any extent could get a drug-BWAI
• A person who goes boating while impaired to a substantial extent by drugs or alcohol could get a BWI
• A person who goes boating with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or more could get a per se BUI
• A person operating a public vessel, such as a boat used for commercial purposes, with a BAC of .04% or more could also get a per se BUI

Penalties vary depending on the type of BUI and whether it was a first or repeat infraction.

Safety Equipment Laws

Different types of boats have specific safety equipment requirements. Generally, in Long Island, the law states they must carry life jackets, navigation lights, distress signals, and fire extinguishers.

State Waterway Laws

State waterways have laws that boaters must abide by. They are typically posted so that Long Island boaters know where the laws apply. For example, there may be a designated no-wake zone where vessels need to slow down to a speed that does not create a wake. Some waterways have speed limits which are enforced by the local law enforcement agencies. Boaters must also follow standard navigation rules, such as maintaining a proper lookout and obeying right-of-way regulations.

Discuss Boating Laws and Your Case With a Long Island Lawyer

If you believe your boating accident was caused by someone who was negligent because they did not follow Long Island boating laws, you may be able to hold that person accountable for damages. Get your legal questions answered by one of our experienced personal injury attorneys.

Contact us, and we will set up a consultation. If you decide to pursue compensation, we could build a strong case to support your claim and handle your case from start to finish.